10 surprising HSA-eligible expenses

While many people have HSAs, there's still confusion around what may be eligible. In this article, we'll cover 10 items you may be surprised to find out are actually HSA eligible!

10. COBRA Premiums

If you lose your job, go on maternity leave, or even take a sabbatical, you may be eligible to continue your employer's health insurance under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA. COBRA mandates that employees are able to continue their health insurance after leaving employment.

One problem with this is that COBRA premiums are usually significantly higher than the premiums people pay while employed because employers typically pay a percentage toward the total cost.

Cue the HSA!

If you've been socking away money in your HSA every paycheck, you can use those funds to reimburse your COBRA premiums.

9. Prenatal vitamins

Taking prenatal vitamins has become a regular part of pregnancy for women. As part of the 2020 CARES Act, prenatal vitamins are now HSA eligible.

8. Feminine hygiene products

Also thanks to the 2020 CARES Act, feminine hygiene products are HSA eligible. This includes products like tampons, menstrual pads, menstrual cups, and even Midol.

7. Lip Balm

Yes, surprisingly lip balm is HSA eligible, but only if it's SPF 15 or higher. If you have an HSA, you might as well spring for the good stuff and protect your lips!

6. Medicare premiums

This one is especially useful for people who have been saving money in their HSAs for a long time. Once you become eligible for Medicare, you can choose to pay for your Medicare premiums with your HSA funds. This includes Medicare HMO premiums, Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part C, and Medicare Part D premiums.

Keep in mind, however, that once you enroll in Medicare or become eligible to enroll, you can no longer contribute to your HSA, nor can your employer do so on your behalf.

5. Batteries for medical devices

If you have medical devices that require batteries, you can expense the batteries! That's a nice bonus for something you might need to replace regularly, such as hearing aid batteries, in order to keep your health in optimum condition.

4. Over-the-counter medications

It's something you might not think about often, but any time you need Tylenol, Advil, or another type of drugstore medication, you can pay for it with your HSA card.

Have allergies? You can buy everything from Allegra to Zyrtec with your HSA.

Acid reflux? Put that Prilosec, Nexium, or Pepcid Complete on your HSA card!

The list goes on and on, but rest assured that if it's an over-the-counter medication, you can pay for it with your HSA.

3. Hemorrhoid medications

It's a touchy subject, but if you have a sore bottom you can put medications like Preparation H and Tucks Medicated Pads on your HSA card.

2. Fertility trackers

Trying to start a family? You can pay for fertility trackers like the Ava Fertility Tracker to determine when you have the best chance of getting pregnant.

1. Sunscreen

Last but not least, the entire reason this site exists: sunscreen. You can buy any brand of sunscreen with your HSA as long as it's SPF 15 or higher. Next time you're on the way to the beach, stop at your local drugstore or supermarket and pick up some sunscreen and some cold beverages—just don't put the drinks on your HSA!